World Football: 15 Stars Set to Explode in 2013

Over the course of the 2012 calendar year, there were multiple stars who exploded onto the international scene due to some strong performances.

Players like Radamel Falcao and Stephan El Shaarawy used 2012 to become globally recognized players. In 2013, there will be other players who will burst onto the scene in the same way.

Some of them will be youth players who will get a chance with their senior club. Others will use an appearance to promote their talents and gain recognition.

This list will primarily cover these youth players in their quest to become globally recognized stars or to become an integral part of their club. There are other players on this list who have not been able to show their skill due to their squad ranking.

Here are some players who could "explode" to a higher standing in 2013.

Xherdan Shaqiri

When Bayern Munich purchased Xherdan Shaqiri from FC Basel last winter, it was widely expected he would become a star with the famous German side.

So far this season, the Swiss winger has only scored one goal in the Bundesliga, which came in the team's final match before the winter break. He has also scored just once in the Champions League.

These goal totals are not a true indication of Shaqiri's influence on this squad, though. He is among the leaders in the squad in key passes per match with 1.8 and has been a key substitute.

The disappointing statistics Shaqiri had are not a true reflection of what his future performance with Bayern will look like. Considering the dominance of Die Bayern so far this campaign, he will have plenty of additional opportunities to adapt and thrive with his new club.

Adam Maher

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Adam Maher has been one of the most hyped Dutch players in recent years. The AZ Alkmaar midfielder was named the Dutch young player of the year in 2011 and has only continued to impress for the Eredivisie side.

He was a part of the preliminary squad for the Netherlands heading into Euro 2012 and earned his first cap later in the year. His talent caused famous Dutch manager Guus Hiddink to call him "special."

In 2013, Maher could move to the Premier League (which The Mirror has suggested), or he could remain in the Netherlands for another year to have an opportunity to participate with the Oranje in the World Cup.

Jordy Clasie

Jordy Clasie has been a starter over the past three seasons with Feyenoord.

Clasie emerged to become one of the top defensive midfielders in the Netherlands and was almost a part of the ill-fated Oranje squad which failed miserably at Euro 2012.

Despite this, Clasie earned his first cap for Holland in 2012, and has been linked to a transfer with Tottenham Hotspur.

Expect Clasie to leaved the Eredivisie in 2013 to join a club in a bigger European league. Once there, he will earn recognition for his abilities and will be regarded as a top midfielder for the future.

Martins Indi

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During Euro 2012, the Netherlands were eliminated in large part to their frail defense. Since their failure, Bruno Martins Indi has become a starter for the Dutch national team despite being just 20 years of age.

Indi, who scored twice in six matches as a defender for the Oranje, became a starter for Feyenoord in 2011 and has stated that he expects to complete a transfer outside of the Netherlands soon.

With a starting role for the Dutch national team and a transfer looming, Indi could become one of the most highly regarded young defenders of 2013.

Gerard Deulofeu

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Barcelona have arguably the most complete lineup in football and is filled with stars. It is rare to see a teenager break into such an established squad, but Gerard Deulofeu is not like most teenagers.

Deulofeu, who was named the top player at the UEFA under-19 championship in 2012, has barely played for Barcelona's squad over the past two years.

However, it is unlikely he will continue to remain with Barcelona B, the club's reserve side.

Considering his talent, the Catalan-born forward could break into Barcelona's first squad by the end of 2013 and could become a starter soon afterward.

Lorenzo Insigne

Lorenzo Insigne found himself with pressure to perform in 2012 after Ezequiel Lavezzi was sold to Paris Saint-Germain.

During the first half of the 2012-13 campaign, the 21-year-old striker established himself as one of the top young players in Italy and earned his first cap with the Italian national team.

Although he does not have great goalscoring numbers with Edinson Cavani having 39 percent of the team's goals to date, Insigne will continue to play an important role in Napoli's quest to return to the Champions League.

Rafal Wolski

One of the most surprising members of Poland's Euro 2012 squad, Rafal Wolski, will be a midfielder to watch in the transfer market in 2013.

Wolski scored six times in the past season for Legia Warsaw and saw his projected transfer value rise to over €3.5 million according to TransferMarkt.

The top Polish midfield prospect has been linked to Borussia Dortmund, where three of his countrymen play their club football.

With his stock rising and seeing consistent playing time with Warsaw, Wolski could be a player brought in as an inexpensive transfer this summer, which could allow him to blossom in one of Europe's top leagues.

Lucas Moura

One of the most hyped members on the Brazilian national team, Lucas Moura will be one of the most intriguing players in the world to watch in the new year.

Lucas will start 2013 with Paris Saint-Germain, who he joined after completing the richest transfer in the club's history.

This move to France gives the Brazilian a chance to display his talents with one of the most skillful sides in Europe and give him a platform to gain further recognition.

In the summer, Lucas will be a part of Brazil's Confederation Cup squad. After failing to claim Olympic gold in London last summer, this tournament will have important implications for Brazil a year before the World Cup.

It will be expected that Lucas will be one of the leaders of this squad, and with the competition taking place on home soil, he could help Brazil win their first major tournament at home since the 1989 Copa America.